EMPLOYEES at an Andover-based company swapped their desk jobs for a day of hard physical work at a charity.

Staff from Simplyhealth’s finance department volunteered for a day at the Boaz Project, near Barton Stacey, an inclusive farm project for adults with learning disabilities.

The volunteers dug out footings for new soft fruit cages so that pavers can be laid to improve access for all, including people using wheelchairs and walking frames.

Quentin James, commercial finance director, said Simplyhealth is supporting the local charity as part of its wider purpose.

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Quentin said: “Boaz is about improving people’s wellbeing and providing opportunities to do things they would not otherwise be able to do whether that’s feeding chickens, walking with donkeys, or growing fresh fruit and veg. It’s a brilliant place.”

He added: “The day was hard physical work, but we were happy to help as it will improve access. It’s also important to remember that it doesn’t have to be a big project to make a big difference – we can all help.”

The Simplyhealth team has supported Boaz on seven different occasions during 2022, equating to over 40 volunteering days in total, said Nick Potter, chief finance officer. The company gives its staff three paid volunteering days a year.

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Nick said: “We all enjoy coming to Boaz and will do whatever tasks need doing to support this incredibly worthwhile project. We’ve done quite a lot of digging but we’ve also helped with a variety of other things on previous visits - all with the aim of improving the site for members.”

He said there was a real feelgood factor. “It gives our staff a boost to get out from behind their desks and do some physical work in the fresh air and, of course, to see how we can help others.”

Stuart Palmer, manager of Boaz, said: “We couldn’t wish for a more engaged corporate partner than Simplyhealth. It works for both parties on multiple levels. We are very grateful and always have a good crack with staff that come along.”